Tag: book-reviews

  • Fool’s Gold Folly Receives Wonderful Review from Pacific Book Review

    The reviews are starting to come in for my new novel, Fool’s Gold Folly. This is a side story to go with the Renegade Series. It tells the story of a minor character, Patrick Mulligan, and what happens when he decides to take his family to Breckenridge, Colorado in search of gold. Thank you so much for your kind review, Mr. Arthur Thares!

    If you’re not a fan of J.D.R. Hawkins’ writing, you should be because you’re missing out. In a genre that is largely cookie-cutter, Hawkins stands out with both sharp writing and impeccable historical knowledge. Her newest story, Fools Gold Folly, is a stand-alone piece that catches you up with some popular characters from her other books. While it is a departure from her usual style, there is so much to love about this book, and it is the perfect companion piece to her other works. If you’re still not convinced, here are a few more reasons you should pick up your own copy of Fool’s Gold Folly.


    For those familiar with J.D.R. Hawkins’ work, you’ll be delighted to catch up with a beloved character. Those unfamiliar will be equally delighted to find out why Hawkins fans adore Patrick the Irishman. The story unfolds as Patrick and his wife, Briana, leave Pennsylvania for Colorado in search of riches. A significant portion of the story is their travels to Colorado and the struggles they face on the way. Even when they reach Colorado, things don’t go as they plan. A chance encounter with a man named Silas and the news that two more fan favorites, David and Anna, will be joining them in Colorado soon starts to turn their luck around. Despite a lurking evil, the Mulligans know that this is precisely where they are meant to be in the moment, leading to a brisk but lively story.


    J.D.R. Hawkins has a way of turning what could be a mundane romance novel into an exciting period piece that always leaves you wanting more. Although this book is a slight departure from her traditional fare, it is an excellent companion piece to her other books. It is fantastic to catch up with some of the outlying characters and give them more attention and life. Though this book doesn’t have a strong third act climax, there is turmoil throughout. The ending does seem to come on a little abruptly, but it also feels like this isn’t the last we will be seeing of these characters.


    If you are already a J.D.R. Hawkins fan, then you should buy this book right now. If you are a future fan, read the other books in the Renegade series quickly, so you can work your way to this one. Even as a standalone story, this is a solid book, and not knowing the Renegade series past doesn’t automatically disqualify you from understanding what is happening in Fool’s Gold Folly. Books like this aren’t released every day, and it’s rarer when a series like this is released, so find Fool’s Gold Folly and the rest of the Renegade series as soon as possible.

    Fool’s Gold Folly: A Story of Irish Resilience (The Renegade Series): Hawkins, JDR: 9798312529845: Amazon.com: Books

  • New Release!

    My new novel, Fool’s Gold Folly, has just been published on Amazon! This book tells the story of one of the minor characters in the Renegade Series, Patrick Mulligan. His story unfolds after Patrick leaves Pennsylvania with his family in 1869 and travels to Colorado Territory. Here is the back cover blurb:

    It has been four years since the Civil War ended, and westward expansion seems imminent. Thirsty for adventure, Patrick Mulligan, a young Irish immigrant, learns of gold being discovered in Colorado Territory, so he moves his family from Pennsylvania farmland to the wilderness. Gold lust lures him to the small town of Breckenridge, where he befriends several Irish immigrants and miners. One man in particular, Silas Garvey, strikes Patrick’s fancy and the two become fast friends. But Silas has a dark secret and is doomed due to chronic illness. Although Patrick adores the old man, he knows there is danger lurking about. Will Patrick’s golden opportunity materialize? And will his fantasy of striking it rich be fulfilled? Or will he fall victim to the threat that looms in the shadows?

    This book has already received several excellent reviews and has also received honorable mention at the 2025 Southwest Book Festival! It ties in with the Renegade Series in that the story takes place following book four, Double-Edged Sword. I’m very excited to announce my new book! Get your copy today!

    Fool’s Gold Folly: A Story of Irish Resilience (The Renegade Series): Hawkins, JDR: 9798312529845: Amazon.com: Books

  • New News

    My novel, Double-Edged Sword, is being featured in the Historical Fiction Genre Fest, which is sponsored by Bookluver.com. There are many great books being featured, so please check it out! (You will have to scroll down a bit to see my book.) Here is the link: https://bit.ly/HFF-JDR-Hawkins

    Journey through time at the Book Luver Historical Fiction Fest! Immerse yourself in sweeping sagas, thrilling adventures, and passionate romances across the ages. From ancient civilizations to recent decades, discover your next favourite story among our carefully curated collection of historical novels.

    Special Online Festival Offers:

    • Download selected titles at zero cost during our festival period.
    • Enter multiple book giveaways from beloved historical fiction authors.
    • Explore exclusive deals across various historical genres.

    Whether you’re passionate about Victorian mysteries, medieval epics, or 20th-century drama, you’ll find captivating stories that transport you to different eras. Don’t miss this limited-time opportunity to build your historical fiction library!

    I am also advertising for Sandra’s Book Club. This is an excellent opportunity for other authors to sign up for reviews. Here is the link: https://sandrasbookclub.blogspot.com/2020/08/submit-your-book.html

    I am currently working on another novella to go along with the Renegade Series, so stay tuned for the cover reveal, book excerpts, and Q & A’s!

    Thank you so much for following my blog. Please don’t hesitate to reach out, and don’t forget to check out my website: Best Historical Fiction Civil War Award-Winning Author – J.D.R. HAWKINS.